How Much Essential Oils Should I Add to The Diffuser?
Knowing how much essential oil to add to a diffuser starts with knowing how to use one. They are very simple to use, even though there are different models. In general, they should be placed up high to allow maximum dispersal.
Even though each model may have some differences, they are simple to set up. Take the diffuser out of the box and remove any packaging materials. Set the bottom portion on a shelf or table. Plug the cord into an outlet and place the top on snugly. Here are the simple steps when you are ready to use it for the first time.
- Remove the lid or the top portion of the diffuser.
- Fill the bottom portion with water up to the fill line.
- Add the recommended drops of the oil you want to diffuse.
- Put the top back in place.
- Turn the diffuser on.
You will also want to clean the diffuser occasionally. To clean it, unplug it and dump any leftover water out of the reservoir. Use a small brush or soft cloth to wipe the inside out. Rinse it off and dry it off. Most reservoirs have an ultrasonic chip that needs to be wiped off with alcohol occasionally too. Let it completely air dry before using again.
Most diffusers hold 100 ml of water, but there are larger varieties that hold 200 to 500 ml of liquid. As a general rule, you only want to put between three and ten drops of EOs per 100 ml of water.
Remember oils are highly concentrated and you want to guard against using too much. Start with a little and add more according to your preference. You’ll also want to take the size of the room into consideration with larger rooms needing more oils. Most of the diffuser recipes are going to call for five to ten drops max even if you’re blending several oils.
We love our essential oils. Why? Because they smell amazing, are highly medicinal, and work wonders on promoting health and wellness. The fact is these lovely gifts from nature work so great because they are concentrated, highly volatile oils that have been extracted from plants, trees, flowers and fruits.
Like we take responsibility in caring for our environment, we also need to use our essential oils with care. Use this essential oil dilution guide to help you understand essential oil dilution rates and attain safety when using your oils at home.
In the words of Lea Harris, Certified Clinical Aromatherapist, “There’s almost never a time when you would not want to dilute the potency of an essential oil before applying it to the skin.”
WHY DILUTING OILS IS IMPORTANT…
All essential oils have the potential to boost health and wellness, either by diffusing or through topical use (you can also ingest them), but each essential oil like the plants, trees, flowers and fruits that provide for them, are different.
Some essential oils have stronger qualities than others and affect us in different ways, and some can be milder than others. All oils require dilution with a carrier oil when used topically on the skin.
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Lavender essential oil, for example, is one of the most versatile essential oils for use of promoting health and wellness and it is considered one of the gentlest essential oils – it’s still recommended to dilute it to stay safe. Lemon essential oil contains compounds that could irritate the skin if used without dilution.
It is highly recommended to follow precautions when using it – I almost never apply it to my skin, even with a carrier oil. Lavender, however, is my best friend of all the essential oils and I always dilute it with coconut oil before applying it to my skin.
ESSENTIAL OIL DILUTION FOR KIDS
Children respond well to essential oils and they love them. They are a great go-to to help relax a temperamental child; during cold and flu as care and prevention; hair and skin care and a lot more. But using essential oils on children requires special caution and dilution is always necessary.
“The majority of cases of essential oil poisoning involve accidents with young children, often between 1 and 3 years of age. Approximately 75% of cases in the USA are in children up to 6 years old,” – quoted from
All essential oils should be kept out of the reach of children. Certain oils are toxic. Children should never ingest essential oils. Experts at Young Living recommend never using an essential oil on children younger than 2 (babies).
Shirley Price is an aromatherapist and author of the book, “Aromatherapy for Babies and Children.” In the Essential Oils Quick Reference Guide, written by Connie and Alan Higley, Shirley Price is referenced as recommending 20 essential oils that are safe for children including:
Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Marjoram, Melaleuca-Tea Tree, Orange, Rose Otto, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Thyme, Ylang, Ylang
A dilution rate of 0.5% is recommended for infants 6-24 months of age. Please consult with a Certified Aromatherapist or medical professional before using essential oils on children. Be aware of “hot” oils such as Oregano, Clove Bud or Cinnamon. Hot oils should not be used on children under the age of 10.
1% dilution rate for children age 2 – 10, the elderly, people with sensitive skin, or facial applications. Stay on the conservative side, start low, and monitor skin tolerance.
Higley recommends diluting 1 – 2 drops of pure essential oil with ½-1 tsp mixing oil and recommends always using a bath gel base as a “dispersing agent” for the oils.
“If an oil is ever ingested, give the child an oil-soluble liquid such as milk, cream, or half and half. Then call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention,” – Higley
ESSENTIAL OIL MIXING AGENTS
When it comes to mixing agents or carrier oils, there are a lot to choose from. Here we will take a snapshot of the options.
In the “Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy“, author Valerie Ann Worwood explains, “essential oils have far more potential as the various ways of using them become more easily available. And one of the easiest ways of diluting essential oils is to use a carrier oil.”
Worwood explains that it is important to use high quality vegetable oils (plant-based oils, such as, nut, kernel, see or flower), that are, “pure, organic and natural.” When it comes to shopping for a high-quality vegetable oil to use as a carrier oil with your essential oils, she explains, it’s important to look for the good stuff.
Carrier oils should not be diluted in mineral oils, or should they be diluted in other non-plant oils, such as fish or animal fats. Less is more. A good carrier oil should be free of scents and synthetic, petroleum products.
A FEW CARRIER OILS EXPLAINED:
There are many delicious carrier oils to choose from. They will help your essential oils last longer and cover more ground during massages, or when using them as creams, hair or bath products.
Almond Oil: Almond oil is a great choice. It softens, moisturizes and nourishes the skin and can be used on all face and body skin types, including sensitive, inflamed, and infected skin. It can be used for various purposes, including to ease dry skin, itch and inflammation. It also contains vitamins E and K, omegas 9 and 6 fatty acids.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is described as a nourishing, protective oil that softens and sooths skin. It’s great for dry and dehydrated skin and helps to ease irritation, itching, un damage, softening and smoothing and amazing for hair care.
Recipes for use of coconut oil with essential oils include body oils, balms and ointments. I’ve also made hair masks with the use of coconut oil. Since it hardens when cool, it’s also great for Winter lip balm recipes. In the summer I have made coconut oil sprays to help ward off and ease sunburns. See recipes below.
Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp seed oil has firming, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory qualities. It’s great for use in recipes for mature skin, combination skin, dryness and itching. It contains omegas 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. Hemp seed oil makes a great carrier oil for body and face oils, ointment, gels and hair care.
Grape Seed oil: Grape seed oil is restorative, smoothing and restructuring. It can be used on all skin types, including those that are prone to pimples. Use with your essential oils in recipes for massage, dehydration and for moisturizing and soothing the skin. It contains vitamin E, omegas 6 and 9 fatty acids.
Other oils you can consider using include: Argan Oil, Halzelnut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Safflower Oil, Sunflower Oil, Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Cocoa Butter, and Shea Butter can also be used.
DILUTION RATE CHART FOR ESSENTIAL OILS IN CARRIER OIL
The following chart is a guide you can use to help you dilute your essential oils into your favorite carrier oil. Since essential oils are concentrated, a little can go a long way. With this chart you get to create your own recipes based on your preferences for scent and strength. The usual recommendation is to dilute at 2%-3% for regular, healthy adults. 5% is only recommended for short term use under the guidance of a Certified Aromatherapist.
DILUTION RATE CHART FOR ESSENTIAL OILS IN A DIFFUSER
Are you wondering how many drops of essential oil you should put in your diffuser? Diluting essential oils in a diffuser properly is not a one-size-fits-all solution. To stay within safe measures, first you need to know the water tank size of your diffuser. Most essential oil diffusers range between 100 mL to 500 mL in size. The 100 mL size is quite common in starter units and smaller devices, and if you have a larger unit, you’ll probably know.
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